1. Carrie A. Nelson
2406 Willow Lane
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3456
Cell: 847.624.2270 Home: 847.368.8534
mrscarrienelson@yahoo.com
Areas of Expertise: Curriculum Development, Leadership, and Organization
Problem Solving and Adaptability
Written and Verbal Communication Skills
Team Building and Management
Instruction and Assessment
Professional Experience:
July 2012 – June 2015 Third Grade Teacher (currently on leave with child)
Embers Elementary School, Niles, IL
Assisted in the development of a promotional video for the school
Supported three teachers-in-training—two from Madrid, Spain and one from
Des Plaines, IL
Incorporated daily poetry writing and monthly poetry recitals
Researched and scheduled appropriate field trips that complemented studies
Communicated students’ academic and behavioral progress to parents on a
weekly basis through newsletters, email, letters, and phone calls
Published a weekly newsletter that highlighted what was learned in class
Developed lesson plans that align to exit goals and carried out instruction and
assessment in all core subjects; incorporated project-based learning
Modeled strategies, motivated students & provided interventions when needed
August 2011 – May 2012 Chair of Annual Fundraiser; All-School Substitute Teacher
Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL
Oversaw 22 committees in the development of ideas and execution of plans to
make the annual fundraiser a memorable and successful one for all involved
Filled in for teachers on an as-needed basis
August 2008 – June 2011 Fourth/Fifth Grade Teacher
Jefferson Elementary School—Berkeley School District 87, Bellwood, IL
Assisted the principal in representing our school at community events
Member of the PBS (Positive Behavioral Support) Team and SIP (School
Improvement Plan) Committee; analyzed data from ISAT, MAP, AIMSWEB,
and Terra Nova test results and collaborated with teachers and administrators
in coming up with means to improve upon identified weaknesses
Taught after-school reading and math clubs for third and fourth grade students
Collaborated with grade-level team; developed lesson plans aligned with state
standards and provided instruction and assessment to my students
Communicated students’ academic and behavioral progress to parents on a
weekly basis through newsletters, email, letters, and phone calls
Summer 2008 & 2009 First Grade Writing Instructor
Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL
Developed learning objectives and interactive lessons to assist incoming first
graders with their writing skills
2. November 2007 – July 2008 Director of Development for Summer School Programs
Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL
Created an education-based program from the ground up, designing
enrichment classes for Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, K, and 1, complete with learning
outcomes and lesson plans
Wrote policies and procedures; devised a budget
Developed the registration mailer and advertisements for publication in the
local paper and postings in businesses
Interviewed and hired high-quality teachers, training them in classroom
management & instructional techniques
April 2008 – June 2008 Long-Term Kindergarten Substitute
Madison School – Skokie and Morton Grove School District 69, Skokie, IL
Collaborated with a team of seven other kindergarten teachers
Developed lesson plans and provided instruction and assessment to students
Communicated students’ academic and behavioral progress to parents on a
weekly basis
August 2007 – April 2008 First Grade Teacher’s Assistant & Lunchroom Supervisor
Henry Winkelman School – West Northfield School District 31, Glenview, IL
Provided reading and writing support to class during small group and whole-
class settings
Corrected homework, making note of any weaknesses that I identified
Assisted teacher with centers and transitions
Supervised all grades during the designated lunch times
May 2004 – October 2006 Freelance Item Writer
Riverside Publishing Company, Itasca, IL
Developed mathematics test questions for standardized tests for the states of
Georgia and Maryland on an as-needed basis
August 1999 – June 2007 Multi-Grade Teacher, Single-Grade Teacher, and School Curriculum Developer
Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL
Taught up to 4 grades in one room all school year
Created the learning objectives for all core subjects (language arts, math,
history, geography, and science) in grades K-5
Researched and presented various companies’ science programs to the
principal and faculty for adoption of new program for entire school
Created a mid-quarter report form for teachers to use in grades K-5 (to
encourage frequent assessment and communication)
Developed and implemented staff training programs for assessment measures
and classroom management to all faulty
Provided leadership and strategic direction with head of school to revise the
academics section of school website
Assisted in the physical move of the school, from a rented space in Northfield,
IL to our own property in Park Ridge, IL in December 2001/January 2002
Developed curriculum, assessment measures, and instructional techniques for
the grades I taught; encouraged active learning
Communicated students’ academic and behavioral progress to parents on a
weekly basis
Published a weekly newsletter that highlighted what was learned in class
3. August 1998 – June 1999 Math and Science Teacher for Junior High (6, 7, 8)
Sacred Heart School, Melrose Park, IL
Improved upon existing math and science curricula by incorporating hands-on
activities, more effective instruction, and meaningful assessments
Developed strategies to promote the school, particularly the junior high
June & July 1998-2000 Curriculum Researcher, Developer, and Teacher
of “Mock Trial” (social studies/oral communications class)
for junior high students enrolled in the Chicago Preparatory Summer Program held at
Dominican University, IL
Created the curriculum for the entire summer school class, including
assessments
Facilitated group learning, encouraging students to differentiate facts and
develop persuading arguments and thoughtful questions
Sept. 1995 – August 2003 Processor and Accountant
Midwest Security Insurance Services, Inc., Park Ridge, IL
Quoted insurance rates for producers and processed policies
Worked in accounts payable, receiving all incoming checks and applying
them to policies; paid the office bills
Answered and directed phone calls, filed, ordered supplies, and sent out mail
Education:
M.Ed in Education Curriculum and Instruction
Summa Cum Laude, November 2003
GPA: 3.960/4.000
University of Phoenix, Arizona (Online Program)
BA in Elementary Education, Distinction in English
Magna Cum Laude, May 1998
GPA: 3.877/4.000
Illinois Elementary Certification (Type 03, Current)
Middle Grade Endorsement: Language Arts
State & NCLB Approved Paraprofessional
Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois
Honors: * Illinois Reading Council member and past presenter
* Distinguished senior in the field of Elementary Education
(an award bestowed on only one student in the graduating class)
Volunteer Work:
Annual Fundraiser, Meals on Wheels, Hot Lunches, Faculty Appreciation Luncheon (Embers Elementary – Niles, IL)
Annual Bake Sale, Hot Lunches, Faculty Appreciation Breakfast, St. Nick Day (Northridge Prep – Niles, IL)
Making/Serving Breakfast (Fisher House – Hines, IL)